Snow fence



Nov. 1, 1927. 1,647,585

D. A. SARGENT SNOW FENG E Filed March 1.927

Patented Nov. 1, 1927.

tenses DON A. SARGEN T, OF BANGOR, MAINE.

SNO'W FENCE.

Application filed March 8,

This invention relates to snow fences. Heretofore it has been common practice to construct snow fences of wooden posts, embedded in the ground, and horizontal wooden members permanently fastened to the posts. Removable snow fences have also been constructed of wood but when dismantled such structures occupy considerable space. it has been found that in both of these types of snow fences with their wooden horizontal members that the wind carrying the snow penetrates the fence and carries a large portion of its burden of snow onto the area which the snow fence is designed to protect. The horizontal wooden members do not operate effectively in causing the penetrating winds to deposit blowing snow properly.

I have found that efficiency in operation can be effected by constructing the horizontal members of snow fences of material which the wind will vibrate. The theory which best explains this improvement is that the wind passlng the horizontal members made of such materials as canvas causes them to whip and snap back and forth and thereby set up air currents and eddies WhlCh render the horizontal members much more eiiicient in causing the wind to deposit its burden of snow. Accordingly one of the objects of my invention is to provide a snow fence of such increased efficiency. Further objects of my invention are to provide a snow fence which may be easily removed, one that may be erected in the fall and dismantled in the spring. A further ob ect of my invention is to provide a snow fence which may be easily adapted to operate efficiently in.varying depths of snow.

In carrying out my invention I utilize a plurality of supporting posts the lower ends of which are pointed that they may be driven into the ground. A plurality of horizontal snow-impeding elements of flexible material are fastened to the lower portions of these posts, and means provided whereby they may be elevated to positions on the upper portion of the posts as snow accumulates and thereby retain theirefiiciency in deep snows. Although the present preferred form for the vibratable members is horizontal it is conceived that they could operate effectively at other angles.

The various objects and advantages of my invention can best be understood by considering the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, which is to be 1927. Serial NO; 173,657.

taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which is a pcrspective view showing a portion of a snow'fence embodying my invention. 8

m ihe posts are in the form of A-shapet support members 1 each comprising a slop ing member 2 and a prop member 3, both pointed at the lower ends and which are hinged together by a pm at the point of greatest support. Members 2 and 3 are of such size, shape and material that mav best be suited to each individual application;

they are angle irons in this case. The front side of member 2 is pierced by holes 4-, which are so spaced and of such diameter that they will receive wires 5 for fastening the hori-- zontal members 6. The holes 4: are so arranged that the two lower horizontal members 6 may be removed and refastened above the upper horizontal members 6. lVhen the snow deepens about the snow fence and interferes with the operation of one or two of A the lower horizontal members 6, they may be elevated to the upper positions and their efiiciency renewed. The side face of men her 2 is pierced near the top with a hole of proper size to secure guy wires 7, which transmit lateral strain to stakes 8, which are driven into the ground. A brace 9 is hinged at one end by a pin to a suitable place in the side face of member 2 and provided with a slot at the other end to engage a suitable pin properly situated on the prop member 3.

The horizontal members 6 may be constructed of any material which will be properly vibrated by wind, such as canvas. They are of sufficient length to constitute one section of snow fence, and of several inches, as for example, six. inches width. In the present case eleven A-shaped support members 1 are provided to support a hundred foot section and are equally spaced apart. \Vhere the horizontal members'6 rest upon A-shaped supportmembers 1 loopslO are formed by sewing on pieces of canvas through which the wires 5 are slipped and fastened through holes 4: to the A-shaped support members 1. The wires 5 are of suitable strength that by being passed through the holes 5 and bent over that they will retain the horizontal members 6 in any reasonable wind.

As an alternative method for securing the canvas strlps to the supports, a single wire may be, threaded through the holes 4 and over the strips. This arrangement has the advantage of permitting a slight longitudinal movement of the strips relative to the posts due to stretching and shrinking.

By utilizing my invention it is possible to construct snow fences ofgreat efficiency, readily removable and which may be adapted to operate efiiciently in varying depths of snow.

I claim:

1. A snow fence comprising the combination of spaced supports and a. plurality of relatively narrow strips of flexible fabric mounted upon and extending between the supports and vibratable by the wind. intermediate their supported ends.

2. A snow fence comprising the combination of spaced supports and. a plurality of canvas strips mounted upon and extending horizontally between the supports.

3. snow fence comprising the combination of spaced supports and a plurality of canvas strips mounted upon the supports, each strip being secured to a plurality of said supports.

A collapsible snow ience comprising the combination of a plurality of collapsible supports, a plurality of canvas strips adapted to be mounted upon the supports and means for removably securing the strips to the supports.

5. A. snow fence comprising the combina tion of a plurality of uprights, a plurality of horizontal snow impeding elements adapted to be mounted thereon, means on the lower parts of the uprights for supporting the snow impeding elements adjacent the ground, and supplemental means on the upper parts of the uprights for supporting the snow impeding elements, the arrangement being such that when the snow has drifted about the lower elements'they can be removed and mounted'upon the upper parts of the uprights.

6. A snow fence comprising the combination. of spaced posts, a plurality of canvas strips mounted upon the posts, and means tor securing the strips to the posts to permit longitudinal movement due to stretching or shrinking.

7. A snow fence 01" which the snow impeding elements are relatively narrow, horizontal strips of flexible material supported at intervals but otherwise freely vibratable by the wind.

In testimony whereof I atiiX my signature.

DON A. SARGENT. 

